CDTA budget calls for 50 fewer jobs

Despite increased demands for its services, the Capital District Transportation Authority is facing toughbudget times.

This week, CDTA’s board approved a $74.39 million budget that cuts staff from 700 to 650. CEO Carm Basile said he hopes to accomplish those cuts through attrition and dropping a few neighborhood routes.

The CDTA has not raised its $1.50 basic fare since 2009, but Basile said the board hopes to avoid a fare hike this year. Raising rates normally prompts a 10 percent drop in ridership, he said.

“It’s not the right time when ridership is going up and things are healthy; you don’t want to disenfranchise your ridership,” Basile said. “At some point, we’re going to have to increase fares. We’re hoping to get through this year without a fare increase.”